Planning Commission

Renaissance Zone Board Meeting Meeting minutes for April 26, 2018 Public Works Building Members Present: Pete Hugret, Terri Aldrich, Denise Lindbo, Barry Clute, Betty Fedorchak, Kelsy Holt, Kerry Candrian Members Absent: Chad Vogel Others Present: Alderman Josh Wolsky, Alderman Steve Podrygula, John Zakian, Mike King, Jennifer Cook, Stephanie Hoffart, Sue Nilson Chairman, Pet Hugret called the meeting to order at 8:29 AM. Minutes from the March 29, 2018, meeting were approved. The Board discussed the new application submitted by Aksal Group for #3 & #7 1st Street SE. The application was thorough and complete, meeting all the requirements and will create new jobs. Therefore, the committee voted to approve the application unanimously. A memorandum of understanding will be implemented after state approval as part of the required processDeletion of Blocks. Blocks reflected as closed in the past still count toward the total number of blocks allowed unless they are formally deleted with the State. Zakian proposed that the Board delete blocks that are government owned or part of the proposed flood control. The group discussed the merits of deleting the blocks. A motion was made by Candrian to delete blocks 1A, 3A, 2B, 5B, 6B, 15, 18-24. The motion was seconded by Lindbo. Motion was carried unanimously. Adding Blocks. Zakian proposed the addition of blocks that contain Trinity properties as well as three blocks to the east of South Broadway between Fire Lane Road and Burdick Expressway West and five blocks on North Broadway. Blocks can be added or deleted as needed with justification. There are steps to follow when adding additional blocks. 1. City Council must authorize the additions subject to the next steps outlined below. 2. The additions will be posted on the City’s website. 3. Property owners within the block must be notified. 4. Comments must be gathered from the public. 5. Additions are submitted to the State for final approval. After a great deal of discussion, the Board decided to hold off on approving the new blocks until next month. Opportunity Zone Update. Zakian stated that the Governor nominated Minot for the Opportunity Zone. Final approval and rules should come in June. The Board discussed how to get the word out to the property owners in the new blocks. Letters will be sent by the City to the property owners. It was also suggested that when a prospective applicant comes to the Inspection Department for a building permit, City staff should mention that the property owner may be eligible for this benefit. One of the restrictions on Renaissance Zone applications is that money can’t be spent on the project until it has gotten approval through the State. Zakian would like to use NDR Grant funds in conjunction with the Ren Zone tax incentive to maximize benefits. Administration Fees for Ren Zone Applications. Zakian suggested the Board establish a processing fee that would be prorated per application. The rate would be 0.005% of the value of the improvement of the proposed project. As an example, the. Aksal application that is before the board this month, the fee would have been about $600. Wolsky made a motion that the Board recommend to the City Council that the Council consider and adopt a fee. The motion was seconded by Hugret. Motion carried unanimously. Wolsky made a motion to approve the Development Plan with the suggested changes. The motion was seconded by Fedorchak. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:53 AM.